 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-05-15 19:47
I have a garage sale find to restore; a Buffet B flat clarinet in standard pitch with full-Boehm keywork.
It is missing the second-shortest right hand trill key.
I tried getting through to Buffet today, but they're in the midst of moving admin staff into the Rico International offices.
The horn is stencilled Cundy-Bettoney on the Bell, Buffet everywhere else.
It is serial number L140.
I'm obviously ready to buy one, if one can be found.
anji
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Author: bandtech
Date: 2001-05-15 20:35
Anji,
Boosey and Hawkes would not have a part for this old an instrument. More than likely you'll have to have a key made for it. It may be possible that an older E&S or Buffet "cadaver" instrument might make a match. It would certainly be worthwhile to find out. Check with your local repairers for someone who takes on this type of work.
Oh, and yes, I've had parts ordered from Boosey since February and the parts still haven't been delivered. Now is not a good time for ordering or receiving parts. I believe that, currently, there is a BIG communication problem within the company.
The company (Rico) did not prepare itself well for the takeover it seems.
John
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-05-15 21:36
Anji -
It's highly unlikely that a modern Buffet key will fit an instrument from 1897 (which is the date the Sneezy "how old" list gives for serial # L140). Any competent repair shop can make a new key or, more likely, alter an existing key from a junker to make it fit. Steve Fox is making a throat Ab key for me right now for a Selmer contra-alto that had it missing.
If the bell has no Buffet trademark on it, but only the Cundy-Bettony mark, then it's not the original.
Good luck on the restoration. Let us know how it comes out.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-05-15 22:34
The bell has the familiar Buffet Crampon & Cie., below that is the WH CUNDY stencil.
Nice man in Montreal just offered to take it off my hands for $50 or make me a new key for $100... isn't that special?!
1897 makes this one appealing to me, for no good reason, this thing will probably play like a bag of rusty bolts, but who knows?
I want a match to the Full-Boehm A clarinet I already have ready.
As a point of clarification, what should a hand made key cost me?
anji
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-05-16 06:29
Anji -
You could buy your own silver soldering outfit for a hundred bucks!
The last time I had a key modified to fit, a couple of months ago, it was $40.00 (in Sacramento, CA). That was for an Albert long E/B key (with the roller). The repair tech did a beautiful job too :]
Fifty for the horn? yeah, sure, right... if hogs had wings they c'ld fly : o )
- ron b -
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2001-05-17 19:29
If complete authenticity is not required, I have a good stock of clarinet bits and pieces and donor clarinets and could probably find a key to fit, although of course it would not be Buffet, as people in my low-rent district cannot afford such high-falutin' instruments..........
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-05-18 12:07
I have the local wunderkind fabbing up one this weekend, if he can't come up with the goods, I'll take you up on the offer.
PS - The Jazz mouthpiece is loud and controllable, nice combination, thanks!
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